Optional Pre-Cruise stay in Lisbon
Wednesday, October 4 - USA - LISBON
Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
(Note: Flights from the USA leave Oct. 3)
Free day to explore on your own.
Thursday, October 5- LISBON
One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you'll see Belem Tower, a fortified 4-story tower made of limestone, and visit the late Gothic Jeronimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pasteis de Belem, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal's greatest maritime explorer.
(Breakfast Included)
Friday, October 6 - LISBON - SINTRA
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it "perhaps the most delightful village in Europe." High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal's Romantic period.
(Breakfast Included)
Saturday, October 7 - LISBON - PORTO
EMBARKATION
Motorcoach to Porto and board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise.
(Breakfast Included if you are doing the pre-cruise package) (Dinner Included)
Sunday, October 8 - ENTRE-OS-RIOS
Entre-os-Rios translates to "between the rivers," and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tamega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Entre-os-Rios at a local Quinta - a country estate - for a truly authentic culinary experience.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Monday, October 9 - RÉGUA - PINHÃO
Visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house, you’ll see interesting furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port-wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Tuesday, October 10 - VEGA DE TERRÓN
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a "living museum," and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city's elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Wednesday, October 11 - BARCA D'ALVA - PINHÃO
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d'Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo - a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets, and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up the village should you wish for more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce. Be treated to an exclusive dinner at Quinta de Avessada, where you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience, complete with entertainment. Quinta da Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you'll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Thursday, October 12 - RÉGUA
Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you'll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps. beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided hike. Concluding both tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as bolas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Friday, October 13 - PORTO
The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments; and the Sao bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You'll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike and then enjoy a Port wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore all of Porto's charms on your own.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Saturday, October 14 - PORTO - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.
(Breakfast Included)
